Personality Disorders (PD)

Personality Disorders (PD) can cause individuals to think, feel and interact differently than most people. These disorders usually appear during adolescence and can continue into adulthood. They are classified into three distinct clusters - A, B, and C - and each one presents its own set of symptoms.

Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by difficulty in relating to others and odd or eccentric behaviours. These disorders include paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal. Cluster B personality disorders involve difficulty relating to others, but often there is a desire to form close relationships. These disorders are marked by dramatic, emotional and unpredictable behaviours, and include borderline, antisocial, histrionic and narcissistic. Cluster C personality disorders also involve difficulty in relating to others and an anxious or fearful attitude. These disorders include avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive (which is a different diagnosis than obsessive-compulsive disorder).

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and mentalisation-based treatment (MBT) have been found to be effective for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Additionally, schema therapy (ST) and cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) can be used to treat a wide range of different types of personality disorders. Medication may also be necessary to manage personality disorder. If you are struggling in your relationships, having difficulty managing your anger, engaging in self-harm, or having thoughts of suicide, it is essential that you reach out for help. Finding the right support can be incredibly beneficial in these difficult situations.